Researchers analysing hardened plaque from eight people buried in Edo-era Osaka detected 38 dietary proteins, including luxury red sea bream and cold-water fish imported through Japan’s shipping networks

Dental plaque analysis revealed diverse diets for Edo-period Osaka commoners. Researchers found proteins from 17 food types, including luxury red sea bream. This suggests developing markets made once-exclusive foods accessible to ordinary people. Salmon proteins indicated food traveled long distances via extensive shipping networks. Even cottonseed oil and terrestrial animal meat were consumed by these individuals.